Georges Leekens’s team now sit top of the table for the first time in the current season with 43 points.

Sepahan could leapfrog Tractor Sazi on Friday but the team were held by Foolad in Ahvaz at the Foolad Arena.

Brazilian forward Kiros Stanley found the back of the Foolad’s net from the penalty spot in the 69th minute but Hassan Beyt Saeed’s shot into the area leveled the score in the 81st minute.

“Football punished us today because we missed so many chances. Of course, Foolad had also opportunities to score. We are a team that the Foolad’s fans are happy with a draw against us at their home and it’s satisfying,” Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei said in the post-match news conference.